TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – – In preparation for the possible effects of La Niña, the provincial government of Cagayan distributed a complete set of supplies to the different Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs), including the seven Task Force Lingkod Cagayan-Quick Response Team (TFLC-QRT) stations.
Governor Manuel Mamba emphasized the importance of the preparedness of local governments and rescue groups in responding to disasters, especially since typhoons frequently visit the province and some of its areas are flood-prone.
Mamba added that it is important to provide LGUs and TFLC-QRT stations as standby or prepositioned supplies they can use anytime a disaster strikes.
The complete set of commodities distributed includes medicines, first aid, and hygiene kits such as soap tissue, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and many others.
It was funded with over P15 million under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) program, where the distribution coincided with the opening of the ‘Pistang Pangkalusugan’ at Robinsons Mall in Tuguegarao City.
The recipients are the following municipalities: Abulug, Alcala, Allacapan, Amulung, Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey, Calayan, Camalaniugan, Claveria, Enrile, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Iguig, Lal-lo, Lasam, Peñablanca, Pamplona, Piat, Rizal, Sanchez Mira, Solana, Santa Ana, Santo Niño, Santa Praxedes, Santa Teresita, Tuao, and Tuguegarao City.
The seven TFLC-QRT stations based in Tuguegarao, Tuao, Amulung, Ballesteros, Sanchez Mira, Lal-lo, and Gonzaga also received the same set of commodities.
On the other hand, 20 new personnel of TFLC-QRT recently concluded their five-day Water, Search, and Rescue (WASAR) training as part of the continuous capacity building of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Ruben Telan, one of the trainers, said participants were taught Smoke Diving Map Reading, Ropemanship Lecture, Map Reading, and Rappelling, which were conducted at Sub-Capitol Bangag, Lal-lo.
The group also went to Gonzaga Town to practice basic swimming, water safety, and other actual water activities such as boat handling and maneuvering.
Proper rescue techniques or correct methods for saving people in the water, just like when someone is drowning, were also taught to the new personnel. (OTB/MDCT/PIA Cagayan)
